L. A. Pai Art Jewellery Gallery

L. A. Pai Art Jewellery Gallery Since 2000. Contemporary Canadian Art & Art Jewellery.

PAULA MURRAY is presenting new installations with a survey of her career at the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum in Alfred, New...
09/01/2026

PAULA MURRAY is presenting new installations with a survey of her career at the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum in Alfred, New York. Alfred is one of the world's leading centres for ceramic art and many of Paula's own mentors have studied there - making this invitation especially meaningful. Resilience by Paula Murray will be on exhibit from September 10 to December 20 2026. What a great opportunity for Canadian art to be presented across the border. Congratulations to Paula!

From the Curator - Benjamin Evans:

Murray’s work is unapologetically beautiful and unafraid to take on some of the most difficult and universal issues of human experience: Breaking and healing, transformation, the search for truth of different kinds, and finding pathways towards reconciliation. Spanning three decades of Paula Murray's artistic practice, the exhibition explores transformation through fracture, revealing resilience, empathy, and the enduring truth that our shared humanity is greater than our differences. At a time of increasing polarization and uncertainty, Resilience offers visitors a space for reflection and connection.

The exhibition has been organized in collaboration with the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, where it will travel in early 2027. A monograph of Murray's career that includes a catalog of the exhibition is in development.



08/31/2026

Kindly view the video for the history of the Annual National Jewellery Student Competition. 23 years running, championing Canadian art and student work. A very special thank you to our 3 jurors: Tzoofit Hammer (Principal, 4té Inc., Interior Design), José Niaison (Independent Curator, Board member, Canadian Craft Federation, outgoing Board member, Craft Ontario), and Megan ​Lafrenière (Lead Project Manager, Loans and Exhibitions · Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada). And a sincere thanks to our already generous donor, C.V.D.S.

The 2026 Competition Exhibition continues at L. A. Pai Jewellery Gallery, 497 Sussex Drive, until September 4th.

Congratulations again winners and finalists! .96

Th schools represented at the 23rd ANJSC:

08/30/2026

INTRODUCING FINALIST YIQI SUN (OCAD University)
OF L. A. PAI'S 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JEWELLERY STUDENT COMPETITION

Currently a second year Material Art and Design student at OCAD University, I am inspired by ancient mythologies and traditional narratives, especially those rooted in my Chinese heritage. Through my work, I seek to revive long-lost stories, transforming them into wearable art that shares the beauty and memories of a rich culture. Entering this competition is an opportunity for me to showcase my creative work, grow as a maker, and connect with the material arts community.

The 2026 Competition Exhibition will continue at L. A. Pai Jewellery Gallery, 497 Sussex Drive, until September 4th.



08/29/2026

INTRODUCING FINALIST MICHA LEBLANC (Ecole de joaillerie Montréal))
OF L. A. PAI'S 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JEWELLERY STUDENT COMPETITION

Ma démarche s’inscrit dans une esthétique volontairement kitsch, où l’excès décoratif devient mon terrain de jeu. En tant que joaillière, je travaille l’argent sterling, qui devient le support mettant en dialogue la noblesse des matériaux avec des éléments en apparence opposée : les pierres précieuses, symboles de perfection et rareté, et la porcelaine issue de vaisselle usagée, porteurs d’une mémoire intime et quotidienne. L’aspect ludique du kitsch permet de détourner les codes traditionnels de la joaillerie, plutôt minimaliste, et de proposer des pièces expressives.

Au cœur de mon travail se trouve la notion de contraste : contraste de matières, de préciosité, de perceptions. Mon travail s’inscrit dans une réflexion critique sur notre société de surconsommation. En réutilisant des matériaux existants, je cherche à ralentir le cycle de production et à valoriser ce qui est déjà là. Le thème de nostalgie traverse l’ensemble de ma démarche. Les fragments de vaisselles que je réemploie conservent les traces d’un usage quotidien et renvoie à une mémoire intime et collective. Leur intégration dans des pièces de joaillerie explore un processus de recontextualisation, où l’objet domestique devient un objet précieux portable, sans pour autant être dissocié de son histoire.

The 2026 Competition Exhibition continues at L. A. Pai Jewellery Gallery, 497 Sussex Drive, until September 4th.



08/27/2026

INTRODUCING FINALIST GAIA GIA (OCAD University)
OF L. A. PAI'S 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JEWELLERY STUDENT COMPETITION

As a member of the q***r community, I grew up struggling to find acceptance at home and at school. My immigrant parents worked hard to support our family, so much of my childhood was spent alone at home. During this time, I found kinship and connection through fantasy media, video games, and online communities. Though these experiences were not face-to-face, they shaped my identity, worldview, and sense of belonging in profound ways. I have always dreamt of a better world, and this informs my exploration of transformation, otherness, and dystopian and utopian worlds. Working primarily in silver and copper, I use traditional jewellery and metalsmithing techniques, sometimes incorporating digital and electronic technologies, to create jewellery and objects that exist between reality and fantasy, and between past and future.

The 2026 Competition Exhibition at L. A. Pai Jewellery Gallery, 497 Sussex Drive runs until September 4th.



08/26/2026

INTRODUCING FINALIST ​M​ATIAS BEAULIEU (​École de joaillerie de Québec​)
OF L. A. PAI'S 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JEWELLERY STUDENT COMPETITION

My work is driven by the construction of identity, which I perceive as a process in constant transformation. Through my pieces, I investigate how relationships, experiences, and environments influence this construction, both positively and negatively. This reflection finds an echo in nature, particularly in the tree, which occupies a central place in my practice. Rooted in the past, it extends toward the unknown. The concept of branching structures therefore influences my work, both in form and in thought. I am interested in the ways natural forms can be translated into controlled geometry. My approach consists of observing and reconstructing these organic elements in order to create a balance between control and chaos.

My creative process is based on collecting fragments of reality through photography. I transform them visually using digital tools before translating them into material through traditional craftsmanship. Also, fine gemstone cutting occupies an important place in my practice. I work closely with techniques such as 3D modeling and printing, computer-aided manufacturing, and laser cutting. These works gradually become a materialization of my experiences, memories, and perception of the world, expressed primarily through one-of-a-kind pieces.

The 2026 Competition Exhibition at L. A. Pai Jewellery Gallery, 497 Sussex Drive runs until September 4th.



08/25/2026

INTRODUCING FINALIST WEIWEI LI (Temple University/NSCAD University)
OF L. A. PAI'S 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JEWELLERY STUDENT COMPETITION

Exploring how patterns transform forms drives my studio practice. I extend this idea by producing both wearable pieces and playful objects, inviting viewers to interact with the work in ways that allow transformation to continue through use.

My practice centers on folding techniques and processes such as origami and kirigami, which serve as a foundation. I incorporate traditional metalsmithing techniques and hand fabrication, integrating them with digital technologies. This combination allows me to work across a range of materials, including metals, 3D printed components, and others. I remain curious about exploring additional materials according to the conceptual and formal needs of each piece.

As these patterns shift, they create interior and exterior spaces that reveal tendencies toward protection and concealment, an intimate, hidden interior and a public exterior. These spatial dynamics mirror the complexities of human personality. Through play and interaction, I invite viewers to approach my work with childlike curiosity, engaging through touch and movement to navigate the layered emotions we carry as adults. By engaging with the pieces physically and intuitively, viewers are encouraged to reflect on these emotional states in ways that feel personal, immediate, and open-ended.

The 2026 Competition Exhibition at L. A. Pai Jewellery Gallery, 497 Sussex Drive, runs until September 4th.



CONGRATULATIONS MARIMAUD ROYER, EJMHonourable Mention of the Jewellery Focus of L. A. PAI'S 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JEWELLE...
08/23/2026

CONGRATULATIONS MARIMAUD ROYER, EJM
Honourable Mention of the Jewellery Focus of L. A. PAI'S 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JEWELLERY STUDENT COMPETITION

The 2026 Competition Exhibition at L. A. Pai Jewellery Gallery, 497 Sussex Drive runs until September 4th.

Congratulations are due to Marimaud for the purchase of her neckpiece by the École de joaillerie de Montréal for their collection that extends back to 1991. View the collection at https://ecoledejoaillerie.com/collection-privee/.






08/22/2026

INTRODUCING FINALIST ​ZHANGCHI SHEN (​NSCAD University)
Honourable Mention of the Sculptural Focus of OF L. A. PAI'S 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JEWELLERY STUDENT COMPETITION

Congratulations Zhangchi!

Zhangchi Shen is currently studying Jewellery Design & Metalsmithing at NSCAD University. His work is inspired by the contrast between his past life in finance and his current artistic practice. He explores this evolution as part of his personal process of growth, reflecting on how his journey shapes both his artistic voice and sense of identity. He transforms these internal tensions into visual and material collisions within his work. Using various techniques, he shapes metal and combines it with enamel or organic materials. The interaction between these materials and techniques allows emotional and conceptual contrasts to emerge through form, texture, and color.

The 2026 Competition Exhibition will continue at L. A. Pai Jewellery Gallery, 497 Sussex Drive, until September 4th.



08/21/2026

INTRODUCING GABRIELA SIERRA (École des métiers du Sud Ouest de Montréal)
1st Prize Winner of the Jewellery Focus of OF L. A. PAI'S 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JEWELLERY STUDENT COMPETITION

Congratulations Gabriela!

Jewelry is my language. I’ve always found it easier to express ideas through materials than through words, creating pieces that begin as quiet observations and transform into bold, wearable forms. My practice is shaped by my background in industrial design and urban furniture, disciplines grounded in structure, proportion, and the relationship between objects and the body. This influence appears through strong silhouettes, geometric compositions, and architectural lines that often carry a brutalist sensibility while remaining playful and expressive. I create pieces that balance strength and delicacy, boldness and softness, structure and spontaneity.

My work is inspired by the confidence my grandmother embodied when she wore her extravagant jewelry like armor. Through each piece, I hope to offer the wearer a small transformation, a quiet source of confidence, a reminder to take up space, embrace individuality, and perhaps even a small superpower they can carry with them.

The 2026 Competition Exhibition continues at L. A. Pai Jewellery Gallery, 497 Sussex Drive, until September 4th.



Address

497 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1N6Z5

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Tuesday 11am - 6pm
Wednesday 11am - 6pm
Thursday 11am - 6pm
Friday 11am - 6pm
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